Gene Hackman has always had a yearning to write. Growing up in Danville, Illinois, he spent time at his grandfather s small newspaper office and accompanied his uncle, a reporter, on assignments. After service in the Marines, Gene began his acting career in the theater, then went on to star in such movies as Bonnie and Clyde, The French Connection, The Conversation, and Unforgiven. He is the winner of two Academy Awards(r).